Posted in Tech2Go on June 27th, 2008

Tech2Go - Live from AICPA TECH+

icon for podpress  Tech2Go - Live from AICPA TECH+ [00:51:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (281)
Gregory L. Lafollette 
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP		 Brent Goodfellow 
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT		 Randy Johnston 
Randy Johnston

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 18
Recorded: June 10, 2008
Duration: [00:51:45] 47.3 MB

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

Special Guest: David Strom — www.strominator.com

Virtualization products:

Microsoft Home Server

Next recordings:

  • July 16, 2008; 11:00am EDT
 
Posted in Tech2Go on June 2nd, 2008

Tech2Go - Episode 17

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Intersection Live – Tech2Go – Episode # 17

“Workflow, workflow, workflow ….”
Recorded on May 28, 2008

Microsoft announced “mid-range” SBS called “Windows Essential Business Server”

Vendor programs for accountants: 
Microsoft

Here is the info on Action Pack renewal:
Renewing subscribers will need to pass an assessment beginning June 19, 2008 with a score of 70% or higher. A valid assessment is required every two years.After you have completed a training course, you will need to wait up to 48 hours before placing your MAPS order.  Any training assessments can take up to 48 hours to register on the Partner Learning Center (PLC) and verification must be received by the PLC before you can subscribe to MAPS:

  • Valid courses are located at https://partner.microsoft.com/mapstraining.  Courses that meet the assessment requirement for MAPS expire after two years. For more information on the training requirement and how to navigate within the Partner Learning Center, see “Assessment Requirement and the Partner Learning Center” within this Guide.
  • Please note it can take up to 48 hours before your course data will appear in the Partner Membership Center.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/ServerSolutions/businessserver.mspx
Sage Software
Intuit

Workflow:
 XCM
Thomson Reuters – FirmFlow
AICPA TECH+ Conference
UMPCs
Fujitsu Whitebook
Sony Vaio UX Micro PC
ASUS eee
Acer
Samsung Q1 Ultra
Windows Server 2008 Tip: SMB 2.0 Self-healing NTFS is an automatic, background, replacement for CHKDSK.
Next recording – LIVE (no TalkShoe for this session!!) Episode # 18 at AICPA TECH+ in Las Vegas. Tuesday, June 10th – 2:00pm

Additional Notes & Resources Regarding MPAN & MAPS (Action Pack)
(Courtesy of Brian Tankersley, CPA.CITP [blog at: http://blog.bftcpa.com])
Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

 
Posted in Tech2Go on April 25th, 2008

Tech2Go Episode 16

icon for podpress  Tech2Go Episode 16 [01:07:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (277)

Recorded March 21, 2008
Voice mail for comments: 800-456-0864 ext 2106

Microsoft acquired desktop virtualization vendor Kidaro
Microsoft acquisitions
Kidaro
VMWare
XenSource
Softricity / SoftGrid
Toms Hardware

Microsoft Server 2008 Launch / Visual Studio 2008 / Sequel Server 2008
Hyper V

ADP Calculators / ADP Forms

Printers
LaserJet 4
American Consumer Institute

IRS Section 7216 discussion (Notes courtesy of Randy Johnston)
Guest: Steven Ladd, CEO of Copanion, Inc. makers of GruntWorx

The rule was put in force by the IRS on January 3, 2008 as the second link below will show. Comments to the IRS and Treasury Department are due by 4/7/2008.
Foreign outsourcing is not prohibited by the final regulations, which permit the disclosure of tax return information outside of the United States if the taxpayer consents to such disclosure. However, tax preparers who outsource (1040 series returns) to foreign countries will be required to:
• Obtain written consent from the tax payer in advance.
• Mask social security numbers on both the tax return software and source documents.
The second bullet is difficult at best in most document management systems and tax preparation software.

Some interpretations of the regulation allow no SS#’s to be used overseas, and others believe that redacted information is sufficient. The key difference in the regulation historically has been whether or not the people viewing the information were employees or not. Employees were excluded before, where most interpretations of the new regulation says employees are no longer exempt.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/08-2.htm
http://apps.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177075,00.html
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=151368,00.html

Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

 
Posted in Tech2Go on March 25th, 2008

Tech2Go Episode 15

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Tech2Go is a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette,CPA.CITP, and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Dave McClure and Randy Johnston.

These thought leaders tackle current technology issues impacting the tax and accounting profession.

Gregory L. Lafollette
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP		 Brent Goodfellow
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT		 Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston		 Dave McClure
Dave McClure

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 14
Recorded: March 13, 2008
Duration: 1:06:18 60.7 MB

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

California Communication Association - www.calcomwebsite.com
Crossing the Chasm – Geoffrey Moore
The Economist - Of internet cafés and power cuts
Apple iPhone SDK
Microsoft Server 2008 Launch Week
Microsoft Hyper V
K2
HP 6720s / 6820s
Dell Latitude D530 / D630,  XPS,  Precision
Lenovo X300
Toshiba
Sony
Fujitsu
Intel VBI Program
Kidaro
Microsoft PowerPoint
Next recording:
March 20, 2008; 12:30pm EST

 
Posted in Tech2Go on February 22nd, 2008

Tech2Go - Episode 14

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Tech2Go is a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette,CPA.CITP, and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Dave McClure and Randy Johnston.

These thought leaders tackle current technology issues impacting the tax and accounting profession.

Gregory L. Lafollette
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP		 Brent Goodfellow
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT		 Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston		 Dave McClure
Dave McClure

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 14
Recorded: February 22, 2008
Duration: 1:18:07 73.3 MB

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

Tax season update — discussion of tax rebate calculations. What vendors are doing. Most are waiting for IRS software industry call scheduled later this week.

Guest: Jim Metzler, CPA.CITP VP of Small Firm Interests, AICPA former partner of Jennifer Wilson, Convergence Coaching

PCPS is a centerpiece of Jim’s responsibility.

Scanners:

TWAIN / ISIS interfaces

Financial Analysis Software:

2008 Server Topic of the Month:

SECURITY
Launch is February 28, 2008

Next recordings:

  • March 13, 2008; 3:00pm EST
  • March 20, 2008; 12:30pm EST
 
Posted in Tech2Go on January 30th, 2008

Tech2Go - Episode 13

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Tech2Go is a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette,CPA.CITP, and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Dave McClure and Randy Johnston.

These thought leaders tackle current technology issues impacting the tax and accounting profession.

Gregory L. Lafollette
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP
Brent Goodfellow
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston
Dave McClure
Dave McClure

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 13
Recorded January 24, 2008
Duration: [1:00:43]

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
  • Questions or Comments?
    • 1-800-456-0864 x2106
 
Posted in Tech2Go on January 3rd, 2008

Tech2Go - Episode 12 - And Now We’re a YEAR Old!

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Tech2Go is a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette,

CPA.CITP, and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Dave McClure and Randy Johnston. These

thought leaders tackle current technology issues impacting the tax and accounting profession.

Gregory L. Lafollette
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP

Brent Goodfellow
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT

Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston

Dave McClure
Dave McClure

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 12 - And Now We’re a YEAR Old!
Recorded December 19, 2007
Duration: 1:04:02

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
  • Microsoft Server 2008
    • Topic of the Month: Network Access Protection
  • Questions or Comments?
    • 1-800-456-0864 x2106
 
Posted in Tech2Go on November 28th, 2007

Tech2Go Episode 11 - Windows Server 2008, UPS and Surge Protection, Instant Messaging, and Gift Ideas

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Tech2Go is a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette, CPA.CITP, and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Dave McClure and Randy Johnston. These thought leaders tackle current technology issues impacting the tax and accounting profession. This month, the panel discusses Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UPS and Surge Protection, Instant Messaging, and Christmas tech gifts. [Running time is 1:03:41]

Gregory L. Lafollette
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP
Brent Goodfellow
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston
Dave McClure
Dave McClure

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 11 - December 2007
Recorded November 21, 2007
Duration: 1:11:01

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP
    ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
  • CCH’s new SDK
    • CCH building a new SDK for building on CCH ProSystem fx platform
    • Allows extensive customization and tight integration
  • Review License Agreements
  • Instant Messaging
    • Protocols: MSN, ICQ, AIM, Yahoo!, Google Talk, etc.
    • Trillian and Pidgin can connect to multiple protocols at once
  • Questions or Comments?
    • 1-800-456-0864 x2106
 
Posted in Tech2Go on November 6th, 2007

Tech2Go Episode 10 - Scanning Software, Windows Home Server, Entertainment Devices, and the Future

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Tech2Go is a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette, CPA.CITP, and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Dave McClure and Randy Johnston. These thought leaders tackle current technology issues impacting the tax and accounting profession. This month, the panel discusses “Scan and Organize” and “Scan and Populate” software, Windows Server 2008, Windows Home Server, Entertainment Devices, and the future of accounting technology. [Running time is 1:03:41]

Gregory L. Lafollette
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP
Brent Goodfellow
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 10 - November 2007
Recorded October 24, 2007
Duration: 1:03:41

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP
    ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
  • “Scan and Organize/Populate” Software
    • Intuit will no longer offer Source Doc Auto-Entry
    • Copanion is launching a new “Scan and Organize” product
    • SurePrep “paved the way” in this category
    • Thomson will have a limited release of a product in this category soon
    • CCH has two products in this space
  • New Podcasts
    • Small Business Consulting 2 Go
      • Greg LaFollette and Doug Sleeter
    • Accounting Firm Security 2 Go
      • Greg LaFollette and Dave Ciesleck
  • Windows Home Server
    • OEM Software is in the market and available now through distribution channels like NewEgg.
    • Retail availability will be through pre-built hardware from vendors like HP, Dell, Sony, etc.
    • Additional functionality to be added in a “service pack”-type release
  • Entertainment - DVRs, TiVO, Gaming, etc.
    • Xbox 360 integrates with Windows Media Center to use your TV for everything
    • HP Blackbird gaming computers
  • Look into the future of accounting technology
    • AICPA’s Top Technology Initiatives Survey will be published very soon on 29+ different technology initiatives and will be sent to members various accounting technology groups
  • Questions or Comments?
    • 1-800-456-0864 x2106
 
Posted in Tech2Go on September 28th, 2007

Tech2Go Episode 9 - iPhone for CPAs, Scan and Organize, Data Backup, and Guest David Wyle

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Tech2Go is a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette, CPA.CITP, and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Dave McClure and Randy Johnston. These thought leaders tackle current technology issues impacting the tax and accounting profession. This month, the panel discusses the hot new Apple iPhone, Scanning and Organizing Products, data backup, Microsoft Home Server, and has a special guest David Wyle, Founder and CEO of SurePrep, LLC. [Running time is 0:58:49]

Gregory L. Lafollette
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP
Brent Goodfellow
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT
Dave McClure
Dave McClure
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 9 - October 2007
Recorded September 17, 2007
Duration: 0:58:49

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP
    ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
  • Apple iPhone
    • Revolutionary gadget; not a business device (yet).
  • LG Prada Phone
    • Keep an eye on it, may offer more business use than the iPhone
  • Questions or Comments?
    • 1-800-456-0864 x2106
 
Posted in Tech2Go on August 30th, 2007

Tech2Go Episode 8 - Virtualization and the Past and Future of Payroll

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Tech2Go is a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette, CPA.CITP, and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Dave McClure and Randy Johnston. These thought leaders tackle current technology issues impacting the tax and accounting profession. This month, the panel discusses the past and future of Payroll, the VMWare IPO, and Virtualization. [Running time is 1:01:43]

Gregory L. Lafollette
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP
Brent Goodfellow
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT
Dave McClure
Dave McClure
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 8 - September 2007
Recorded August 27, 2007
Duration: 1:01:43

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP
    ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
  • Payroll
    • Payroll preparation transitioned from accounting profession exclusivity to businesses like ADP.com and PayChex.com who offer payroll processing services to others as a business in the late 70’s and early 80s.
    • Advances in technology have allowed accounting firms back in the payroll business.
    • This competition has resulted in payroll industry companies offering to “partner” with accounting firms to offer payroll services to their clients.
    • Pay cards
      • Loadable pay cards that can be used as debit cards
      • Useful for paying employees who do not have bank accounts
      • As many as 20-25% of employees are “un-banked”
      • Employees can use the cards for purchases or at ATMs to get cash
      • Eliminates the need for paper checks
      • Allows everyone to be paid electronically through ACH transactions
    • Online Payroll options like PayCycle.com
      • Increasing availability of online payroll options
      • Very accessible, elegant, and convenient
    • Payroll becoming much more streamlined and simpler to use, making it much more profitable and lucrative for CPAs to offer their clients
  • VMWare IPO
    • Virtualization technology with relatively few current competitors
    • Valued at around $20 billion
  • Virtualization
    • Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 - Virtual Console
      • “New” button opens a wizard that walks you through setting up a virtual machine
      • You can install an operating system on your blank virtual machine – it is treated like an entirely separate computer
      • Install all the applications and programs you want, just like you would a brand new computer
      • Backup the copy and save the file to an external source
    • Virtualizing Servers
      • One physical server instead of multiple physical servers
      • Single server that is the host for several virtual servers
      • Save money by avoiding the need for multiple expensive servers
    • VMWare [vmware.com]
      • A little more “mature” than other existing products
      • Can convert Microsoft Virtual PC containers (as well as others) to VMWare containers that are much smaller in overall filesize
      • Free evaluations of all products
      • VMWare Server is a free download
    • Network Application Sharing
      • Citrix Method – [ citrix.com ]
        • Thin-client with most of the processing on the server
        • Applications and all data is held on the server
        • Client connects to server and sends “clicks” and “keystrokes”
        • Server performs the actions and sends screenshots back of what has happened
      • Softricity Method – [ microsoft.com/systemcenter/softgrid ]
        • “Softgrid” server has “sequencers” that extract all the application-specific settings and sends little pieces of the application to the client as needed
        • All the work is done on the local machine, just as if the application were installed on the local machine
        • Local machine caches application information to run faster
        • Now that Microsoft own it, it can be integrated with Windows user roles and permissions
    • Next episode of Tech2Go will be recorded LIVE at Talkshoe.com on Monday, September 17th at 2:30pm CDT. If sign up for a [free] Talkshoe account you can join us!! We’d love to have you.
  • Questions or Comments?
    • 1-800-456-0864 x2106
 
Posted in Tech2Go on July 30th, 2007

Tech2Go Episode 7 - Engagement and Trial Balance Software, Exchange Server 2007, NetSuite IPO, and GPS Navigation Systems

icon for podpress  Tech2Go Episode 7: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1008)

Tech2Go is a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette, CPA.CITP, and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Dave McClure and Randy Johnston. These thought leaders tackle current technology issues impacting the tax and accounting profession. This month, the panel discusses Engagement and Trial Balance software, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, the NetSuite IPO, GPS Navigation Systems, and upcoming Conferences and Tradeshows. [Running time is 1:06:38]

Gregory L. Lafollette
Gregory L. LaFollette CPA.CITP
Brent Goodfellow
Brent Goodfellow CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT
Dave McClure
Dave McClure
Randy Johnston
Randy Johnston

Tech2Go Show Notes
Episode 7 - August 2007
Recorded July 27, 2007
Duration: 1:06:38

  • Thanks to our Sponsor: ADP
    ADP - Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
  • Engagement Software vs. Trial Balance Software
    • Engagement Software
      • CCH ProSystem fx Engagement, extensive presence in larger firms; moving to smaller firms
      • CaseWare Working Papers, small estimated U.S. share; large Canadian and international share
      • Thomson Engagement CS, very strong in smaller firms; moving to larger firms
      • 1,215 audit regulation changes
      • Paperless support is not being properly implemented by most CPA firms
      • Data linking features are often unused by CPA firms
      • 25%-35%+ productivity gain by using the paperless tools properly
      • Engagement software and document management software (DMS) serve different purposes
      • PPC eTools is often used in conjunction with engagement software
      • Engagement software will help your teams stay in compliance
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
    • Shift from single-role server to a five-role server:
      • Edge transport server
      • Hub transport server
      • Mailbox – Mail server
      • Client Access – Outlook web access, mobile devices
      • Unified Messaging
    • Exchange 2007 “Gotchas” from 2003 version
      • Requires 64-bit hardware, and 64-bit versions of Windows
      • Minimum 2GB RAM
      • No option for an in-place upgrade on the server
      • De-emphasis on “Public Folders” (but will still support them)
      • Administrative services now done through a command-line interface via an administrative shell
    • Excellent built-in anti-spam filters – virtually eliminates spam
    • Increased performance on mobiles and new “lite” feature for web access with only the necessary features to consume less bandwidth
    • You can now schedule “Out of Office” time to expire at a certain time
    • Unified Messaging now has “Outlook Voice Access” to connect your telephone to your mailbox
    • Full index searching – search entire mailbox very quickly
    • Administrators now have the ability to search across multiple mailboxes
    • Outlook 2007 connection will now “auto-discover” an Exchange 2007 server on the same network to eliminate lengthy configuration steps
    • Helpful 2003 to 2007 conversion utilities:
    • Exchange 2007 Small Business Server edition will be released mid-2008
  • NetSuite IPO
    • Software as a Service (SaaS) company
    • Seeking $75 million
    • Maintains software and hosted applications in a single 3rd party datacenter, with no backup or failover servers in a different location
  • Questions or Comments?
    • 1-800-456-0864 x2106
 
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